Valve device



L.. s. H AMER VALVE DEVICE Junewll, 1940.

Filed nec. 27, 19:57 5 sheets-sheet 1 L. S. ,HAMER VALVE DEVICE June ll,

Filed Dec. 27, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 L. s. HAMER VALVE DEvcE June ll, 1940.

Filed Dec. 27, 1937 L. S. HAMER June 11, 1940.

VALVE DEVICE Filed nec. 27,1937

5 Sheets-Sheet 4 a.. s. MANIER 2,2%,89

VALVE DEVICE Filf ec. 27, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented June il, i9

UNITED ST PATET VALVE DEVICE Leland S. Hamer, Long Beach, Calif., assignor of one-fourth to Paul A. Dewhirst, Los Angeles,

Calif.

'I'his invention relates to fluid handling de-l vices and relates more particularly to a valve device or line blind for closing off flow through i a pipe line. A general object of this invention 5 is to provide a valve device useful as a line blind, a gate valve and an orifice meter fitting `that is Asimple and inexpensive to manufacture and that is positive in action.

In pipe lines where it is necessary to cut off the flow for substantial periods it has been the general npractice to provide two spaced adjacent gate valves anda pair of flanged fittings between the gate valves to receive a disc or blind for shutting off the line. When it becomes necessary to suspend the use of the line or to completely cutoff the flow through thelline to permit the replacement of valves, the repair of equipment, etc., the gate valves are closed and the blind is bolted between the flanged fittings i to fully shut off the uuid now. During the 1nstallation of the' disc or bllnd"` there is a certain leakage or loss of the fluid and in instances where the fluid is inflammable, a dangerous fire hazard is created. The two gate valves and the flanged fittings required in a typical blind installation are very expensive` and the assembly of the two valves and the blind flttings requires substantialspace.

Another object of this invention is to provide a simple,compact valve device that may be employed as a blind to fully and dependably close off a pipe line. The valve device provided by the present invention is much cheaper to manufac ture and install than the sets of gate valves and iiange fittings heretofore required at a blind installation and is capable of maintaining a com--` plete shut-off without leakage for an indefinite period.

Another object of this invention is to provide a valve device of the character mentioned that may be quickly operated to the fully closed position without the loss or leakage of fluid and Without manipulating bolts, flanges or the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide a valve device ofthe character mentioned that is small and compact and that requires a minimum of lspace for its installation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a D valve device of the character `mentioned that embodies novel and particularly effective packing means assuring a positive seal about the blind" or valve disc. K

Another object of this invention is to provide a 5 valve device of the character mentioned that is capable of resisting high pressures for an indefinite period.

Another object of this invention is to provide a valve device of the character mentioned that embodies a particularly effective and rapid means 5 for actuating the packing means when the blind or valve plate is either in the closed or fully open position.

`A further object of this invention is to provide a valve device of the character mentioned in l0 which the blind plate may be replaced by an orifice plate or vice versa, without shutting down the line and Without the loss of fluid.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the foll5 lowing detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a typical embodiv20 ment of the invention. Fig. 2 is an end view of the device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical `detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a horizontal detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 4--4 on Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view of the device shown in Fig. 1 with the blind plate in the I closed position, the manual operating parts being broken away. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary hori- 30 zontal detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 6--6 on Fig. 5. Fig. '7 is a vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line l-'lon Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 8--8 on Fig. 5. Fig. 8A is a reduced side elevation of the blind plate removed from the valve structure. Fig. 8B is a reduced side elevation of an orifice plate that may be used in the valve structure. Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 5, show- 40 ing the blind vplate in its open or inoperative position and showing the packing means sealing off the plate channel from the fluid passage. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary detailed sectional View taken as indicated by line EIL-iii on Fig. 7. Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line Il--Il on Fig. 5. Fig. 12 is an end view of another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 13 is an enlarged vertical i detailed sectional view of the device shown in 5o Fig. 12 and Fig. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated byline ill-I4 on Fig. 12.

The embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1-11, inclusive, of the drawings. may be 55 for actuating and controlling the sealing means The body I0 carries and contains the various other elements of the valve device and is intended to be connected or interposed in the pipe line L or the like. The body I0 is preferably sectional and in the form of the invention being described comprises two main sections, A and B, and a head C. The section A is provided with means for facilitating its connection with the line L. In the particular case illustrated thebody section A has a flange I5, at what may be termed its outer end, connected with a flange I6 of the line L by bolts I1. An opening I8 is provided in the body section A to register with the fluid handling interior of the line L. The section A is further provided with a chamber I9. The chamber l|9 joins the inner end of the opening |8 and extends both upwardly and downwardly as well as laterally from the inner end of the opening I8. A raised seat or surface 20 is provided on the interior of the body section A surrounding the inner end of the opening I8 where it joins the chamber I9.

'I'he body section A is shaped so that the chamber I9 has what may be termed a channel 2| for receiving and guiding the plate I I as will be more fully described. The channel 2| has a side wall and spaced parallel end walls and extends outwardly or laterally at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the opening I8. A tapped opening 22 4is provided in the lower end of the section A to communicate with the chamber I9 and is normally closed by a drain plug 23. The drain plug 23 may have a threaded test plug 24. A flange 25 is provided on the end of the section 4A remote from the flange I5.

The body section B is provided with a iiange 26 connected with the ange 25 by bolts 21. The section B extends across what may be termed the mouth of the chamber I9 to close the same and is shaped so thatits interior forms an extension or continuation of the chamber. Means is provided .on the section B forfacilitating its connection with the pipe line L. In the case illustrated a flange 28 is provided on the section B and bolts 29 connect the flange 28 with a flange 30 of the line. An opening 3| extends through the flange 28 in axial alignment with the above described opening I8 and registers with that portion of the line L carrying the flange 30. In accordance with the invention the section B has a part 32 extending from its end or side wall through the chamber |9 toward the surface 20. The part 32 has a cylindrical exterior and the opening 3| extends longitudinally through it so that the part is tubular. The inner end of the part 32 is in` spaced parallel relation with the surface 20.

The head C of the Abody I0 is provided on the section A to carry the plate operating or moving` means I2 as will be hereinafter described. In practice the head C is arranged on the upper end of the section A and is removably secured thereto by screws 33. The head C is chambered or partially hollow and its interior forms an upper continuation of the channel 2|.'l

The plate II is arranged in the body ||l and is movable by the means I2 between a position where it extends across and closes the uidypassage formed by the openings I8 and 3| and a position clear of said passage. In accordance with the invention the plate II may be in the nature of an imperforate gate or blind, as shownv in Fig. 8A, or may be in the nature of a perforated plate or orifice plate designated IIB in Fig. 8B, useful in the metering of uid. Where I hereinafter refer to the plate II-it is to be understood that the orifice plate IIa may in each instance be substituted for the blind plate II. Further, it is a feature of the invention that an orifice plate having an orice of the desired size may be substituted for the plate II at any time and vice versa, without shutting `down the lineL and without the loss or leakage of uld.

The plate II preferably has at parallel sides and its opposite side edges are preferably vertical and rounded, as illustrated in the drawings. The lower edge of the plate II may be curved to be received in the correspondingly shaped lower end of the channel 2|l and the corners ofthe lower edge are preferably bevelled oil or rounded to readily pass the elements of the sealing means I3 and to assist in guiding the plate as will be more fully described. The upper edge of the plate II is preferably nat and horizontal and the upper corners of the plate may be bevelled off. The plate II is proportioned to readily move longitudinally through the channel 2| and when its lower edge rests on the bottom wall"of the channel 2| or the chamber I9 the plate overlaps In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. l toll inclusive, of the drawings, the means I2 for operating or moving the plate |I is in the nature of a screw means. of the body head C has a projecting boss 34 and vthe means I2 includes a stem 35 extending through the boss into the channel 2|. A packing gland 36 is provided on the boss 34 to seal about the stem 35. The inner end portion of the stem 35 is yoked to receivea portion 3'Ia of the plate II that is reduced in thickness. A pin 38 is arranged through openings in the yoked portion of the stem 35 of the thin plate portion 3Ia to pivotally connect the plate I with the stem 35. The pin 38 is removable so that upon removal of the head C the plate II may be withdrawn from the body I9 and disconnected from the stem 35. Upwardly converging arms 39 a-re secured to the upper end of the head C and their upper end portions are connected by. flange and bolt connections 40. The portion of the stem 35 projecting upwardly beyond the packing gland 36 is threaded and the stem extends upwardly through an opening 4I in the connected upper portions of The upper end the arms 39. A hand wheel 42 is provided to opand the plate connected therewith. The screw` actuated stem 35 is adapted to move the plate II between the positions illustrated in Figs. 5 and 9 of the drawings.l y

. The sealing means I3 is an important feature of the invention and is operable by the means I4 to pack against the opposite sides of the plate Il when the same is in the closed position and is operable by the means I4 to completely close off the space between the surface 29 and the inner end of the part 32 when the plate II is in its opened or inoperative position. The sealing means I3 includes a stationary packing unit for sealing with one side of the plate II and a movable packing unit for sealing with the other side of the plate and for sealing with the stationary unit. .The stationary unit of the sealing means I3 comprises a ring 41 of packing material ar ranged in an annular groove 48 inthe surface 28. The packing ring 41 surrounds and is spaced from the inner end of the opening I8 and is concentric with the opening. The ring 41 protrudes beyond the surface 29 and preferably has a flat outer surface.

The above mentioned movable unit of the means t3 includes a ring 49 slidable or shiftable axially on the part 32. The ring 49 surrounds the inner portion of the part 32 and has a flat end opposing and parallel with the surface 20. An an- -nular groove 50 is provided in said end of the ring 49 in opposing concentric relation to the groove 48. A ring 5| of packing material is set in the groove' 59. `The ring 5I protrudes beyond the end surface of the ring 49 and is adapted to seal against a side surface of the plate II when the plate is in its closed position and is adapted to seal against the ring 41 when the plate is in its raised or inoperative position.

`The sealing means I3 further includes a sleeve 52 slidable or shiftable longitudinally on the part 32. The forward or inner portion of the sleeve 52 is enlarged in external diameter and has an annular socket 53 shiftably receivingthe ring 49.

by the ring is moved by or with the sleeve. Iln i the structureillustrated, sockets or grooves 56 are provided in the periphery of the ring 49 and the sleeve 52 has screws 51 projecting into the grooves. The screws 51 have limited longitudinal movement in the grooves 56. The sealing means `ing means I3 and is manually operable from the exterior of the body I0 to move the assembly of the ring 49 and the sleeve 52 along the part 32. The means I4 includes what I will term a yoke 58 supported for pivotal movement in the chamber I9 and operatively connected with the sleeve 52. The yoke 58 may be a plate-like member having an opening 59 freely receiving the sleeve 52. The means for pivotally or swingably supporting the yoke 58 in the body I8 comprisestwo spaced generally spherical projections 68 on the lower end of the yoke 58 received in correspondingly shaped pockets 6I in the lower wall of the body I 0. The pockets 6I have substantially equal portionsin the body sections A and B at the plane of the adjoiner of the sections. This provides for the easy assembly of the projections 60 in the pockets 6I at the time of the assembly o1 the body I0. The location and character of the projec- 58 may pivot about a horizontal axis spaced below the sleeve 52.

Movement transmitting connections are provided between the yoke 58 and the sleeve 52. These connections may include diametrically opposite wings 63 on the enlarged portion of the sleeve 52. The wings 68 are provided with vertical dovetailed slots 64 carrying correspondingly shaped shiftable blocks 65. Tongues 66 are provided on the blocks 85 and are received between spaced lingers 81 on the yoke 58. Pivot pins 68 are arranged through openings in the tongues 85 and the fingers 61 to pivotally connect the blocks 65 with the yoke 58. It is believed that lt will be apparent how the blocks 65 pivotally connected with the yoke 58 and shiftable in the dovetailed slots 65 operate to transmit movement between the yoke and the sleeve 52 so that the sleeve is shifted longitudinally on the part 32 when the `yoke is pivoted.

The means I3 further includes an operating stem or shaft 69 for moving or pivoting the yoke 58. An axially extending tubular boss 18 is provided on the outer side of the body section Band the shaft 69 passes longitudinally through the boss to extend into the chamber I9. The boss 19 preferably projects upwardly and longitudinally as illustrated in the drawings. A gland 1I is threaded in the boss 19 to compress packing 12 which seals about the shaft 69. The shaft 69 and thegland 1I have cooperating threads so that rotions 60 and the pockets 6I are such that the yoke f tation of the shaft results in longitudinal movef ment ofthe shaft. A set screw 13 on the boss 10 may lock the gland 1I against rotation. An operating handle or rod 14 is pivotally connected with the outer end of the shaft 69 to facilitate the manipulation or rotation of the shaft.

The inner end of the operating shaft 69 is conprovided in the upper end of the yoke 58 and a slot 'I6 communicates with the opening. A split or sectional block is shiftable longitudinally in the opening 15. This block is divided in a vertical or longitudinal diametric plane to have an inner section 11 and an outer section. The said outer section is in turn divided in a radial plane into two sections, 18 and 19.` A spherical socket 88 is formed in the block sections 11, 18 and 19 in concentric relation to the point of intersection of the planes of division of the block. An opening 8| is formed in the block sections 18 and 19 to register with the slot 16. The shaft 69 has a reduced portion 69V extending` through the slot 16 and the opening 8| and a lspherical ball 82 is provided on the outer endof this portion to occupy the socket 88. The ball 82 is free to turn in the socket 88. The split block comprising the sections 11, 18 and 19 is easily assembled about the ball 82 and then inserted in the opening 15, the slot 16 receiving the reduced shank portion 69a so that the shaft does not interfere with the introduction of the block in the opening. Upon rotation of the shaft 69 the shaft moves axially or longitudinally and the ball 82 -cooperating with the socket transmits this axial movement to the yoke 58 to pivot the yoke. i

It is believed that the operation of the form of valve device illustrated in Figs. 1 to 11 inclusive,

48 nected with the yoke 58. A bore or opening 15 is of the drawings, will be readily understood from ,the foregoing detailed description. It may be assumed that the parts are in the positions illustrated in Fig. 9 of the drawings where the plate II is in the outer portion of the channel 2|.

yWhen the plate is in thisv position the ring 49 extends across or bridges the space between the surface 20 and the inner end of the part 32. The shaft 69 may have been threaded inwardly to swing the yoke 58 toward the channel 2l to force the ring 5I into tight sealing engagement with the ring 41. This actuation of the sleeve 52 also compresses the packing ring 98. From this it will be seen that the packing ring 98 dependably prevents the leakage of fluid around the part 32 and from betweenthe ring 49 and the sleeve 52. It is to be observed that when Ithe parts are in the positions illustrated in Fig. 9 as just described, that the head C may be removed from the body I rto permit the withdrawal and replacement of the plate II. UponI the disconnection of the head C from the body Ill the plate II is freely accessible and, if desired, may

be replaced by an orifice plate. The removal of the head C and the replacement of the plate Il may be effected without the loss or leakage of fluid from the line L. I f desired or believed necessary the fluid that may be within the chamber I9 may be drained oli by means of the plug 23 or the plug 24 prior to the removal of the head C. With the head C in place on the body lill the valve device may be tested from time to time by removing the plug 24 to determine if uid is collecting in the chamber I9. In the event that liquid is collecting in the chamber I9 the shaft' 69 may be tightened or threaded inwardly to more tightly force the packing ring I against the ring 41 and to more tightly compress the packing ring 98.

When it is desired to close off the line L the shaft 69 is threaded outwardly to move the assembly of the sleeve 52 and the ring 49 away from the surface 20 and the ring 41. Simultaneously with or following the outward threading of the shaft 69 the hand wheel 42 may be rotated to lower the plate II. The plate may be lowered or moved downwardly between-the packing rings 41 and 5I to assume the position illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings. When the plate I I reaches this position the shaft 69 may be threaded inwardly to pivot the yoke 58 in toward the plate II and thus moves the assembly of the ring 49 and the sleeve 52 toward the plate. the packing ring 5I into sealing engagement with one side of the plate II and the ring 5I pressing against the plate urges the opposite side of the plate II into sealing engagement with the ring 41. Thus a tight, dependable seal is provided at both sides of the plate II around the fluid passage defined by the openings I8 and 3|. The above mentioned inward threading of the shaft 69 also results in shifting ofthe sleeve 52 relative to the ring 49 and this relative movement compresses or actuates the packing ring 98 which vdependably seals about the parll 32 and seals between the relatively shiftable ring 49 and sleeve 52. Thus the device is operable to maintain a uid tight seal about the plate I I and to dependably resist both up-stream and down-stream uid pressures on the plate and the packing means.

To open the valve device it is only necessary to yback off or thread outwardly the shaft 69 to reflieve the sealing pressures from the plate lII and then rotate the hand wheel 42 to move the This brings plate II outwardly in the channel 2I. When the plate I I has been brought to the position illustrated in Fig. 9 of the drawings the shaft 69 may be threaded inwardly to bring the packing ring 5I into engagement with the ring 41 to completely seal off the line pressures from the chamber I9 as described above.

Figs. 12, 13 and 14 of the drawings illustrate a form of the invention embodyingla lever means I2a for operating or shifting thel plate II. Thel body sections A and B, the plate II, the sealing means I3 and the means I4 of this form of the invention may be identical with the corresponding elements of the previously described embodiment. The head C' of the body I0 may be similar to the above described head C but does not include the boss 34, the arms 39, etc.-

The means I2a for operating or shifting the plate I I includes a shaft 84 extending through a gland 85 on a side of the head C. 84 is rotatable about a substantially horizontal. axis offset from the central vertical axis of the head C' and the channel 2I. A suitable handle 86 is fixed to the outer end portion of the shaft ,84 to facilitate its operation. Stops 81 are pro- The shaft is yoked to straddle the reduced or thin portion 31a of the plate II. A removable pin'92 is arranged through openings in the link 90 and the plate portion 31 to pivotally connect the link and the plate II.

In the operation ofthe plate shifting means illustrated in Figs. 12, 13 and 14 of the drawings the handle 86 may be manually swung or operated to shift the plate II. When the plate II is in the closed position illustrated in the drawings the handle 86 rests on the lower stop 81. To move the plate II to its open or inoperative position, the handle 86 is merely swung upwardly to en-4 gage against the upperV stop 81. During this' movement of the handle 86 the lever 88 swings to. the position illustrated in the broken lines in Fig. 13 to bring the link 90 and the plate II to the positions indicated by the broken lines in that figure. The plate operating or moving means I2 illustrated in Figs. 12, 13 and 14 is simple and inexpensive and is particularlyuseful in situations .where the device is to be installed Whre there is restricted space for the operating par s.

Having described only tpical preferred forms.

and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. In a valve device of the character described, a body having a chamber and a fluid passage intersecting the chamber, an annular seat in the body surrounding the passage at one side of the chamber, a tubular part extending from the opposite side of the chamber toward said seat, the interior of said part forming a portion of Vsaid passage, a p1at'.e, rneans` for moving the plate aaoaose between a position in the chamber and a. position between the seat and the said part Where it extends across said passage, a sleeve translatable on said part and having anv end facing the seat, a packing unit movable on and sealing with said part and having an end engaging said end of the sleeve, a ring shiftable on said part and engaging the opposite end of said packing unit, a slack connection between the sleeve and ring, a packing unit on vthe ring opposing said seat, and manually operable means for moving said sleeve to cause the last named packing unit to seal with the seat when the plate is in the chamber and to seal with the plate when the same extends across the passage.

2. In a valve device of the character described, a body having a chamber and a iiuid passage intersecting the chamber, an annular seat in the body surounding the passage at one side of the chamber, a tubular part extending from the opposite side of the chamber toward said seat, the interior' of said part forming a portion of said passage, a plate, means formoving the plate between a position in the chamber and a position 'between the `seat and the said part where it extends across said passage, and sealing means including two elements shiftable longitudinally on said part, means connecting the elements forlimited relative longitudinal movement, a packing ring engaged between said elements operable to seal with the said part, and a picking ring on one of said elements adapted to seal with the seat when the plate is in the chamber and operable to seal with the plate when the same is across thepassage, the first named packing ring being compressed between said elements when the second mentioned packing ring is forced against theseat and the plate.

3. In a valve device of the character described, a body having a chamber and a fluid passage intersecting the chamber, an annular seat in plate between a position in the chamberand a position between the seat and the said part where it extends across said passage, a sleeve translatable on said part, a ring slackly connected with the sleeve, packing compressible between the sleeve and ring to seal about said part, packing on the ring for sealing with the seat when the plate is in the chamber and for sealing with the plate when the same extends across the passage, and means for shifting the sleeve on said part and operable to compress the first mentioned packing and to force the second mentioned packing against the seat or the plate.

` 4. In a valve device of the character described, a body having a chamber and a fluid passage intersecting the chamber, an annular seat in the body surrounding the passage at one side of the chamber, a tubular part extending from the opposite side of the chamber-toward said seat, the interior of said part forming a portion of said passage, a plate, means for moving the plate between a position in the chamber and a position between the seat and the said part where it extends across said passage, a sleeve translatable on said part, a ring slackly connected with the sleeve, packing compressible between the sleeve and ring to seal about said part, `packing on the ring for sealing with the seat when the plate is in the chamber and for sealing with the plate when the same extends across the passage, and means for shifting the sleeve and operable to compress the rst mentioned packing and to force the second mentioned packing against the seat or the plate, the last mentioned means including a yoke pivoted in the chamber and having an opening passing the sleeve, shiftable connections between the yoke and sleeve, and manual means for pivoting the yoke to shift Vthe sleeve.

5. In a valve device of the character described, a body having a chamber and a uid passage intersecting the chamber, an annular seat in the body surrounding the passage at one side of the chamber, a tubular part extending from the opposite side of the chamber toward said seat, the interior of said part forming a portion of said passage, a plate, means for moving the plate between a position in the chamber and a position between the seat and the said part where it extendsfacross said passage, a sleeve shiftable on said part, a ring slackly connected with the sleeve, packing compressible between the sleeve and ring to seal about said part, packing on the ring for sealing with the seat when the plate is in the chamber and for sealing with the plate when the same extends `across the passage, and means for shifting the sleeve and operable to compress the iirst mentioned packing and to force the second mentioned packing against the seat or the plate, the last mentioned means comprising a pivoted yoke in thel chamber encircling the sleeve, a connection between the yoke and the sleeve, and a shaft connected 'with the yoke and extending from the body for manual operation. f

6. In a valve device of the character described,

a body having a chamber and a iiuid passage intersecting the chamber, an annular seat in the body surrounding the passage at one side of the chamber, a tubular part extending from the opposite side of the chamber toward said seat, the interior of said part forming a portion of said passage, a plate, means for moving the plate between a position in the chamber and a position between the seat and the said Vpart where it extends across said passage, a sleeve shiftable onsaid part, a` ring slackly connected with the sleeve, packing compressible between the sleeve and ring to seal about said part, packing on the ring for sealing with the seat when the plate is in the chamber and for sealing with the plate when the same extends across the passage, and means for shifting the sleeve and operable to compress the first mentioned packing and to force the second mentioned packing vagainst the seat or the plate, the last mentioned means comprising a pivoted yoke in the chamber having'` an opening freely passing the sleeve, a Iconnection between the yoke and the sleeve, a rotatable and axially shiftable operating shaft, and a ball and socket connection between the'shaft and the yoke.

'7. In a valve device of the character described, a body having a chamber and a iiuid passage intersecting the chamber, an annular seat in the body surrounding the passage at one side of the chamber, a tubular part extending from the opposite side of the chamber toward said seat, the interior of said part forming a portion of said passage, a plate, means for moving 'the plate between a position in the chamber and a position between the seat and the said part where it extends across said passage, a sleeve translatable on said part, a ring slackly connected with the sleeve, packing compressible between the sleeve and ring to seal about said part, packing on .the

ring for sealing with the seat when the plate is in the chamber and for sealing with the plate when the same extends across the passage, and means for translating the sleeve on said part and operable to compress the first mentioned packing and to force the second mentioned packing against the seat or the plate, the last menvtioned means including a yoke in the chamber encircling the sleeve, sliding connections between the yoke and sleeve, ball and socket means pivotally supporting the yoke, and manually operable means for pivoting the yoke. i

LELAND S. HAMER. 

